THE GLYN VALLEY TRAMWAY TRUST

Strategic Vision

  • To conserve and interpret the remaining features of the original Glyn Valley Tramway.

  • To re-create an operational section of the original Glyn Valley Tramway, with sympathetic and complementary visitor facilities, to provide an attraction, which will support the economy of Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley.

  • To promote the recording, conservation and interpretation of the Economic, Social, Natural and Industrial History of the area.’

Projects

The Trust envisages the following Projects in pursuit of the above aims:

1. A new Visitor Centre at Chirk in conjunction with Chirk Town Council and Wrexham CBC, encompassing the Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site and the Ceiriog Valley. This would be located in the former Town Council Premises in Station Road Chirk and would include:

  1. TIC.
  2. Exhibition / displays (in conjunction with item 2c below)
  3. Parking.
  4. Commercial Tenants to rear providing revenue to support the Facility.
  5. Administrative Space for GVTT and other local organisations.

2. At Chirk Station the Trust proposes to re-instate in as close to 1920s condition as possible, a section of Working Tramway. This would be developed in Phases:

  1. 1km Operational Railway , using hired locomotives.
  2. Future Extension to Trout Farm.
  3. Construction and development of Educational Facilities to display and interpret through artefact and audio-visual media the history of the Tramway and the community it served
  4. Construction of a replica of the original Brick Station Building on the Platform at Chirk (adapted and enlarged for modern purpose while maintaining original appearance).
  5. Construction of replica Original-style Locomotives and Carriages.
  6. Evaluation of and development of potential re-instatement of entire route to Glyn Ceiriog and beyond, either on a modified original alignment or completely new reserved route.

3. Creation of the Tramway Trail providing access and interpretation of all the remaining features of the original route of the Tramway to Glyn Ceiriog and beyond to the former quarries at Hendre.

4. Special Events organised by the Trust which could include:

  • Vintage Bus service connecting Chirk (or the Trout Hatchery in due course) with the extant features along the route to Glyn Ceiriog, featuring spoken commentary by Experienced Guide in period Uniform.
  • Vintage vehicle events
  • Live music and entertainment and other activities in conjunction with local businesses and organisations
  • Miniature / Model Railways.

Delivery

Preliminary Phases September 2007 – January 2008 Informal Consultations

May 2008 – October 2008 Evaluation Study and Detailed Plans for Phase 1

Phase1a October 2008 –April 2009 Secure funding

May 2009 – April 2010 Construct operational railway

May 2010 onwards Operate Railway at Chirk

Phase 1b September 2010 – April 2011 Creation of ‘Tramway Trail’ and Pedestrian access to Trout Farm along original Tramway formation

Phase 2a September 2011 – April 2012 T&W Order for extension to Trout Farm
Funding Bids

Phase 2b September 2012 – April 2013 Construct 1.5km extension to Trout Hatchery

Phase 2c Summer 2013 Commence operations to Trout Hatchery.



GLYN VALLEY TRAMWAY TRUST